When Christians Hurt You
Separating Jesus from the people who misrepresent him.
For anyone burned by the church.
The big idea
Being wounded by the church is not a reason to lose Jesus, though it is a real wound.
What does “When Christians Hurt You” walk through?
As Far As It Depends On You
Romans 12:18 · KJV
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
In plain English
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
A Limit In The Command
Paul writes if it is possible, which is an admission that sometimes it will not be. He does not require you to pretend a peace that does not exist.
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Matthew 5:4 · KJV
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
In plain English
Blessed are those who grieve, because they will be comforted.
“Jesus was hardest on religious people who used God to hurt others. He is not on their side.”
Put Bitterness Away
Ephesians 4:31 · KJV
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
In plain English
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, shouting and slander, along with every kind of malice.
For Your Sake, Not Theirs
Letting go of bitterness is not excusing what happened. It is refusing to let it keep charging you rent.
A Present Help
Psalm 46:1 · KJV
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
In plain English
God is a safe place when life is hard. He is not distant—he helps in the middle of trouble.
Pray
Jesus, do not let people who misrepresented you take you from me. Amen.
Write it down
What do you need to say to God about how you were treated?
He is not them
Judge Jesus by Jesus.
Which passages does this journey use?
4 passages, drawn from Romans 12:18, Matthew 5:4, Ephesians 4:31, Psalm 46:1. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 7 minutes for the whole thing, or 8 short sittings.
- Romans 12:18
- Matthew 5:4
- Ephesians 4:31
- Psalm 46:1
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Hard Questions
All Hard Questions →Is Any Of This True?
Taking the question seriously.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
The oldest question, honestly.
Believing Without Feeling
When faith is a decision, not a mood.
Deconstruction And Rebuilding
Taking it apart without losing it.
When God Feels Far
Silence is not absence.
Faith And Doubt Together
Both, in the same person.